PALI alumna Leché Schroder (née Joubert) completed her training in 2018 and has had a prosperous career over the past seven years. She made her professional screen debut in the feature film Vergeet my nie (2020) and she starred as Leandri in the popular kykNET television series Spoorloos: Die Eiland (2022). Her role in Taktiek (2023) earned her a “Best Actress in a Comedy” nomination at the 2024 kykNET Silwerskerm Awards.
We recently checked in with Leché to get some insight into her career thus far.
When did you realise you would like to pursue a career in the entertainment industry?
When I was in kindergarten, there was a school play and I overheard the teachers saying that none of the older kids wanted to play the witch because she’s bad. I jumped at the opportunity and said I would do it -not really knowing what I was committing to. But I loved every second of it and I was hooked from then on. I was going to make this work, no matter what it took.
What is your favourite memory of your time at PALI? Was there perhaps a favourite or particularly memorable production?
One of my favourite stage productions was our second year show - The Bridal Party. I played a character called Blanche and she really forced me out of my comfort zone. It was also a great bonding production with the girls I studied with. We had so much fun with late night rehearsals, ugly outfits and lots and lots of laughs! I still get photos of that production pop up every now and then and I just reminisce on those moments.
"You can’t wait for it, you have to make it."
What is the most important lesson you have learned as an actress?
I’m someone who has always strived for perfection and there’s no room for that here. Art, like life, is messy and embarrassing and that’s where the beauty and truth lies. That’s how you create something that someone can find relatable and inspiring. You create a safe space for a viewer to have a good laugh or cry - or to be honest, just good background noise sometimes.
Do you have any advice for aspiring artists?
You can’t wait for it, you have to make it. And “it” comes in many different forms. Don’t think you’re behind or less impressive because your work doesn’t hit the limelight - you’re doing it for the wrong reasons then anyway.
Leché recently appeared in several advertisements and also works as a Script Supervisor on various sets. Some of her Script Supervising credits include Diepe Waters, Blits-Bulletin, Hartklop and ‘n Man se Plek. It’s wonderful seeing Leché’s career go from strength to strength and we look forward to her future endeavours!
